Kitchen Pantries for Every Lifestyle

Like closets and garages, kitchen pantries are one of those once-hidden rooms that are now playing a significant role in today’s home. “The pantry has become one of the most desired and necessary storage features in today’s kitchens — especially for homeowners who make a lot of bulk purchases from the warehouse club,” says Dan DiClerico, a home expert at HomeAdvisor.

So how much should you expect to pay to trick out your pantry? “In terms of budget, a full-size kitchen pantry could cost about as much a well-appointed walk-in closet, which is in the $1,500 range according to HomeAdvisor’s True Cost Guide,” DiClerico tells Freshome. “Freestanding pantries can be had for a few hundred dollars, which is good for homeowners on a tighter budget.”

Hallway pantry

“We’re seeing more homeowners convert a hallway closet or extra bathroom into a walk-in pantry, complete with built-in shelves, recycling bins and even a charging station for phones, laptops and other electronics,” DiClerico says. This is a great way to maximize underutilized space in your home, plus the pocket door doesn’t take up valuable floor space.

Barn door pantry

Open shelving creates a clean, spacious look in kitchen pantries and can help you quickly locate items. “A sliding barn door, in keeping with the farmhouse look that’s so popular right now, might be the finishing touch,” DiClerico says. This unconventional design provides character and functionality.

All-purpose pantry

Jonathan Self, a real estate broker for Center Coast Realty in Chicago, advises homeowners to get creative with storage options. “Lazy susan-style shelving that rotates in a circle is a great way to maximize corner space that’s hard to utilize.” There’s a place for everything in this pantry, from canned good and drinks to tablecloths and other accessories.

Family room pantry

This pantry stores more than just food items. It’s also a place to hang the kids’ artwork, hide your busy calendar from view and even store mail and keys, which keeps your kitchen uncluttered. “Keep all dried herbs and spices labeled and together for a neat and colorful effect, and use baskets to store pasta, rice, oats, etc.,” Croughan says.

Elegant pantry cabinet

A good pantry design solves the clutter problem – and for those who don’t like small appliances on the countertop, it removes them from view. This cabinet does both so you can display your beautiful china, not your blender, coffeemaker, spices and oils.

Butler’s pantry

Carla Phillips, an interior decorator based in Melbourne, Australia, tells Freshome the latest trend in the pantry is the butler’s pantry. “The pantry needs to function well and be a seamless extension to the kitchen,” she explains. This elegant butler’s pantry has an undermount sink and chandelier.

It’s easy to start your day right with this breakfast pantry. Image: Brayer Design

Breakfast pantry

Phillips also recommends including a breakfast bar in the pantry to store bread, cereal, coffee and more. This trendy breakfast pantry has flat panel cabinets and bi-fold doors and contains everything you need in one tidy place.

Are you inspired by any of the kitchen pantry ideas above? We’d love to hear about it below!